District in top three for county tourism spend

Tourism provides a boost of more than £252million to the Folkestone and Hythe district, according to independent research.

Figures from Visit Kent reveal that visitors spend on average £18million in the local economy every month, and almost 5,000 people work in tourism-related jobs.

The statistics show that 4.3million day trips were taken to the area in 2017, an increase of four per cent from 2015 when the research last took place. And the district recorded the third highest spend in Kent by UK-based tourists; a total of £63million.

Cllr John Collier, Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said the report was excellent news.

Charivari Carnival Parade, Folkestone. Starting at The Stade and finishing at The Bandstand on The Leas.

“It’s not surprising that people choose to come here in their millions when you consider the many fantastic reasons to visit Folkestone, Hythe, Romney Marsh and the Kent Downs.
From our beautiful beaches and unspoiled countryside to our award-winning attractions such as Port Lympne Reserve or the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, there really is something for everyone.
Record numbers of people visited the Triennial in 2017 which helped swell the figures, and added to our reputation as a top cultural destination. 
We’re now working with our partners on a new, dedicated tourism website for the district so I look forward to seeing even higher visitor figures in the future.”  Cllr John Collier, Cabinet Member for the District Economy

The research revealed that the majority of tourists’ money is spent in local shops, at 34 per cent, while 30 per cent goes on food and drink.

And visitors stayed for a total of 1.4million nights in the district, with the majority (64 per cent) coming for a holiday rather than a business trip or to visit family and friends.

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